'Austen'tacious event planned

January 03, 2008

Jane Austen tea Saturday at Ward Ballroom By Gretchen Mayer gmayer@aberdeennews.com In conjunction with a South Dakota Public Broadcasting Television event, the Alexander Mitchell Public Library is presenting "An 'Austen' tacious Tea” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday in the Crystal Ballroom of the Ward Plaza. "This will be a proper tea," said Cara Romeo, community services librarian for the library. "We'll be serving tea, lemonade, scones, finger sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches and tiny desserts." Sherri Rodgers, director of education outreach services for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, will be discussing the series of Jane Austen films that will be shown Sundays through April 6 at 9 p.m. CST. There will also be a sneak preview of a documentary film about Austen's life. Tickets are $8 each and must be purchased at the library prior to 9 p.m. today. Guests will receive a goodie bag and be eligible for door prizes. "Bring your favorite quote and, if you like, wear hats and gloves or a costume from the Regency period," said Romeo. Mannequins will be set up wearing period costumes provided by the Spencer, Iowa, Community Theatre costume shop. "Six costumes will be on display at the Ward," said Romeo. "All are from the Regency era. There will be one representing Mr. Darcy (from "Pride and Prejudice") and a military uniform." “The Complete Jane Austen,” a showcase of all six Austen novels, premieres Jan. 13 on PBS. “Masterpiece Theatre” will also present “Miss Austen Regrets," which is based on her letters and diaries. "Stilted manners. Class conflicts. Financial struggle. Impossible romance. Join SDPB Television for a trip back to 19th century English society," according to SDPB magazine. For ticket information, contact Romeo at (605) 626-7097. Showtimes Here is the South Dakota Public Broadcasting “Masterpiece Theatre” schedule for the Jane Austen shows: